Former Heart Institute dean highlights sedentary lifestyles and excess visceral fat as major health threats, advocating daily walking and lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risks.
Obesity is no longer just a question of appearance or excess body weight. It is increasingly understood as a health issue with far-reaching consequences, particularly as sedentary routines, long periods of sitting and low levels of daily activity have become more common. In comments on his programme “Qalbak ma’ Gamal Shaaban”, Jamal Shaaban, the former dean of the National Heart Institute, warned that carrying too much weight can place a significant strain on the body, especially the heart. He urged people to keep to a healthy weight and to build regular movement into their daily lives, with walking singled out as a simple and effective habit.
Shaaban said excess weight can affect the cardiovascular system and may also harm other organs. That warning is consistent with guidance from the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, which says overweight and obesity raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and some cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention likewise links excess weight with coronary heart disease, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea and certain cancers, while the World Health Organisation describes obesity as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
He also highlighted central obesity, sometimes called belly fat, as a particular concern. Medical organisations such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine say extra abdominal fat is associated with higher rates of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease. The problem is not simply the amount of weight a person carries, but where that fat is stored and how it affects metabolism and blood pressure.
The broader message from both Shaaban and international health agencies is that small, consistent changes matter. Even modest weight loss can improve health outcomes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Regular physical activity, healthier eating and less time spent being inactive are all part of reducing risk. Shaaban’s advice was straightforward: move every day, and treat walking not as an optional extra but as a basic part of a healthy routine.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
